Robert Snodgrass scored a hat-trick as Scotland got their World Cup qualifying campaign off to a flying start with a 5-1 victory in Malta.

Surprise starter Chris Martin and substitute Steven Fletcher were also on target as Gordon Strachan's men boosted their confidence immeasurably, although Malta had a second man sent off in injury-time.

Malta had quickly cancelled out a fortuitous early opener from Snodgrass when Alfred Effiong headed home but Scotland scored four times after the break.

Andrew Hogg dives in vain as the cross from Robert Snodgrass goes directly into the goal (Image: PA Wire)

Snodgrass celebrates with team-mates (Image: Reuters)

Snodgrass from the penalty spot (Image: Reuters)

Strachan's substitutions also proved a success as Fletcher got on the end of Ritchie's deflected cross to head home in the 78th minute.

The Sheffield Wednesday striker came close to his second when he raced on to a through ball, rounded the goalkeeper and dinked the ball over the backtracking Hogg, but the ball bounced off the underside of the bar. That gave Snodgrass reward for his hard work as the winger followed up to finish calmly.

Malta finished the game with nine men after Barnet midfielder Luke Gambin was sent off for lashing out at Snodgrass in a challenge.